329 – Winners and Wisdom from the Small Business Blog Challenge

Gift Ms.

Unwrapped episode 329.

Today is a very special episode because I'm going to share

with you the blog challenge,

winners, Attention,

gifters bakers,

crafters, and makers pursuing your dream can be fun.

Whether you have an established business or looking to start one.

Now you are in the right place.

This is gift to biz unwrapped,

helping you turn your skill into a flourishing business.

Join us for an episode,

packed full of invaluable guidance,

resources, and the support you need to grow.

Your gift biz.

Here is your host gift biz gal,

Sue moon Heights.

Hi there,

and thanks for joining Me today on a variation of the

traditional podcast format.

As you may recall,

a few months ago,

I did an episode with Kate.

Kordsmeier about the benefit of having a blog as a product

business that was show number 321,

and has gotten a lot of attention.

Go back and listen to that one.

If you haven't already,

because it will lay the groundwork for what I'm sharing today.

Now you can stay and listen to this first,

but the other show gives you a deeper dive with the

details and benefits of blogging for your handmade product business.

Anyway, at the end of that show,

I presented a challenge post a blog article dated after the

airing of that episode and tag me over on Instagram,

the first 10 people to do so would be the winners

along with a prize that was all spur of the moment.

And two things were running through my mind first.

Maybe I should have only said five instead of 10,

because would there even be 10 people to do this?

I mean,

it's a big challenge given blogging.

Isn't something typically connected with product sales.

And second,

I had no idea what the prize was going to be,

but I could wing that much to my surprise by the

deadline date.

I had eight people follow through,

which I have to say was completely impressive.

And I decided the best prize that I can give is

to get more eyeballs on their businesses because after all,

this is the big value of blogging visibility to your business

and that visibility isn't just for the day,

the article goes up,

but ongoing evergreen content,

if you will,

just like podcasts are.

And I want to note,

this is in complete contrast to social media posts that if

you see them at all are organically visible for a few

minutes or maybe a couple of hours.

So today I want to present you with each of the

winners, their business,

and the article that won them a spot on show.

Also, I'm going to share a little bit about the content

in their articles because each one is so different and highlights

a best practice or to my hope is that it will

motivate you to start blogging again,

go back to that other podcast,

to understand why,

and if you thought about it,

but you aren't sure what you'd write about this will definitely

help you get inspired and have those creative idea juices flowing,

because remember it's action.

That brings results,

not just thinking about it,

right? Okay.

Drum roll.

Here Are our eight blog challenge winners.

And to my delight,

there are three people who started a blog as a direct

result of this challenge.

Oh, that makes my heart so happy.

First up is Michelle James of uniquely made for more.

Her gift basket business has been around for a long time,

seven years to be exact.

The article she chose to lead with addresses the need customers

have that her business solves it's titled is a gift giving

challenging. I'm sure you can answer.

Yes. She then goes on to outline ways you can make

your gifts memorable and significant for your recipient.

So your gift doesn't come across as a last minute thought,

which we all know results in a random gift in doing

this. Michelle provides value to her reader beyond what her business

offers, the final and what she calls ultimate solution is to

buy one of her gift baskets while I don't endorse being

directly self promotional in all of your blog articles as a

starting point,

and to acquaint people with your business,

right from the beginning,

I think it works nicely.

This is also an article that she can link to in

emails or on social media posts with content about how to

pick the perfect gift.

Our next first-time blogger is Gloria Brown of our land woman

herbals her business plays off of her Caribbean roots as she

handcrafts plant-based remedies for health and home wellness and botanical organic

skincare she's led workshops to teach others how to craft their

own products to Gloria sells at craft fairs on consignment and

also holds her own vendor fair twice a year in collaboration

with a fellow herbalist Gloria's first article is called what's the

tea. It's a wonderful initial topic because she shares her personal

journey into actually starting a blog.

Gloria writes as if it's a letter to a friend,

very personable and casual,

and you'll see,

she just draws you in.

She also sets expectations for her readers by explaining what we'll

discover. If we follow her articles,

quote, tidbits and information on the wonderful world of plants that

are growing all around us,

but we tend to ignore then catch this.

The plan is to take us on a tour of her

backyard and neighborhood to enlighten us to the wonderful world of

plants. I love this so much because we'll learn about plants

that are accessible to us.

I mean,

we don't need to go to a Botanic garden to see

these things they're right outside our front doors.

Gloria has laid the groundwork for so many topic options,

all along a theme that relates to our products,

which of course she can then link to text or photos

within her blog.

Gloria says that the hardest part of this challenge was getting

the tech down.

But now that she's conquered that she's already published her second

article and is even getting fancy with video.

She's now on a roll and consistency is going to be

key. Good for you,

Gloria. Our next blogger newbie is Linda Stevens of the gunny

and his wife.

Isn't that a unique and curious company name.

It tells you a lot about her,

right from the start and comes from the combination of two

lives. Her husband,

Michael, a Marine now living in a civilian world and Linda

who describes herself as a serial entrepreneur and maker,

they provide modern high quality customized merchandise.

So think decor,

accessories, and gifts.

The vision is to become a licensed us Marine Corps provider.

Linda sells on Etsy,

her own website and wholesale,

and is in the middle of revising and rebranding her Shopify

site right now.

So her article titled not ready start anyway is perfect.

She says,

she's been thinking about a blog for a while now,

but wondered if they were relevant anymore.

After hearing our conversation in the podcast about Google search advantages

and the value of adding content to your website overall,

and what it can do for your visibility.

She was in her first post is short and sweet,

but it got her going.

She decided to set a timer and write what a great

idea she calls this post.

Ron honest for that moment because things weren't perfect,

but she was starting.

And since then catch this,

she's written two more articles with a very aggressive goal of

weekly blog posts.

Danes Linda's is very conversational and reminds me of how people

wrote when journal blogging first came out,

it's refreshing and fun.

You get a true sense of Linda's personality in these short

posts. And I'm looking forward to watching what comes next.

Moving on.

We have Lonna Smith of Nene's crochet works with an article

titled summer accessories,

pattern Roundup.

As the name implies,

she makes crocheted items,

both wearable and home accessories.

While she doesn't have a website yet she's selling on Instagram

and currently hosts her blog on Blogspot.

This can be integrated into our website at any time when

it becomes available,

she uses a fabulous approach of storytelling about how she accessorized

her outdoor patio space.

The color inspiration came from her outdoor cushions.

And from there she's planned out.

Her creative works from mug rugs to place mats and even

a water bottle holder with a cell phone pocket,

loaner sheers links to 12 pattern designs.

She's discovered on her search to accessorize her personal space,

roundups lists,

best of all,

these types of articles highlighting other businesses is a wonderful pay

it forward strategy.

It gets you attention with these brands.

And in some cases,

they'll share that article to their community,

bringing attention back to you,

of course,

and it helps your reader because you've done the work for

them in terms of finding resources by doing this Lona positions

herself as a go-to connection for crochet tips,

resources and advice,

because she's been helpful since this article Lona has published two

more. I think we've jumped,

started her blogging program from the challenge.

Yay. Now share with you Margaret Esposito.

Canticos who has an online gift shop called artful creations,

which offers customized products of all sorts.

Her article.

Don't worry about those gifts.

I got you is a short uplifting I've come to your

rescue type piece.

She brings up all sorts of occasions where a gift might

be needed and the anxiety that mounts,

because let's face it,

finding a gift can be overwhelming with everything else we have

going on in life.

Her continual phrase throughout the piece is I've got you.

So she talks a little bit about a challenge and says,

I got you.

And then she shares a little bit more about what can

be an obstacle and gifts it's giving.

And then she says,

I got you.

And she can hear,

can use this throughout her article and important thing.

I want to point out here that Margaret does so nicely

is present where her product can be a solution,

potential customers don't always come with a problem on their own.

So she suggests it.

Yeah. Need a gift mailed,

have an upcoming graduation,

bridal shower,

new homeowner that you need to acknowledge this kind of thing.

Often trigger an idea that results in a sale.

If options are ideas,

aren't presented the connection between having a problem and your product

being the solution.

Most times doesn't happen using a blog to get this message

out is a great move.

Now, let me tell you about Christina.

with her freelance design and illustration work.

Chris, the creative her company started two years ago and now

focuses on laser cutting,

which has taken off for her in a big way.

Her article takes us through her backstory of leaving a project

management position to go off on her own.

She walks us through her journey of understanding what her market

wants to her offerings and the adjustments she had to make

I'm not going to give you her whole story here because

you can read it in the blog,

but by sharing her experiences,

Chris shows the reader that she can relate to life's opportunities,

struggles, and shifts,

particularly for a customer who is a small business owner.

Then she presents what has become her ticket to getting sales

and growing Krista creative.

She's found that local business and selling through face-to-face connections by

networking and in-person shows has paid off best.

So she shares her tip around what has made her successful

and brought in sales complete with a bullet list of important

business. Building points.

Since her post went up,

Chris is thrilled because she seen people commenting on what she

wrote. I'm sure this will motivate her to keep going.

A side note that Chris told me is that when she

was in high school,

she failed art.

Can you believe it?

It had been her dream as a little girl to have

her own business.

And art was her passion and her love.

She was told that she would never make it as an

artist. Good thing.

She didn't listen since Chris,

the creative is a thriving business based on her original designs

and creations.

There's a lesson in here for all of us and Chris,

maybe this is another blog post next.

I can't wait to tell you about Amanda Klinger burger's story.

This is one courageous woman with a solid eye towards strategic

action. Before I explain Amanda is the owner of Linden square,

a full service gifting company.

and then took a short break after the holidays,

smart move.

Get those seals in during the best part of the year,

then take a break,

regroup and move forward.

Little. Did she know so that when she reopened in February

of 20,

20 funny three weeks later,

may ham would strike when it did.

It could have been really easy for her to deliver or

quit, but not Amanda.

As I said,

strategic, she pivoted from was going to be a strong focus

on wedding planners and meeting pros to working with small companies

and individuals on their client and virtual event gifts that got

her through 20,

20 fast forward to the present where she's pivoted again,

as we reopen she's switching from working with small,

primarily female entrepreneurs like coaches,

speakers, and influencers to targeting larger corporate clients,

to assist with their employee and client gifting challenge changes.

What I want you to note here is the planned and

specific approach.

Amanda took with her business based on what was going on

around her without taking in and adjusting to these cues.

Her business might have looked very different today.

If it existed at all,

I know it has nothing to do with blogging,

but it's a fabulous example of how to stay relevant and

offer what's needed by your audience at any given time.

In Amanda's case,

she adjusted her target market as business activities and our world

shifted. Okay,

let's talk about her blog.

It's title.

Why outsourcing your corporate gifts?

Just make sense.

Notice that this topic speaks directly to her newly defined audience

corporate. When you get to her article,

you'll see a gorgeous photo,

which gives an immediate impression of quality and style needed to

attract her right customer.

If her photo was blurry,

the product mismatched to her topic or any gap in perception,

it would affect the impression of her business in the eye

of her reader.

But Amanda is spot on.

You can instantly see Linden square stands for quality and style.

Her article tells the story of all the steps.

Someone would have to take on their own to send a

gift like what they can easily purchase through Linden square right

now. And this is no exaggeration,

but most don't know all the steps involved,

specially a marketing or HR manager of a large corporation.

She plays off all the decision points and action steps that

need to happen.

And once her perspective,

corporate customer understands this.

It's pretty obvious that taking an employee's time to do their

gifting onsite is not the best choice,

much better to job out and ensure a gift job well

done. Amanda's goal with her blog is to her business as

a leader and authority in her industry with her blog,

she's definitely making that happen,

bringing it home is our final blog challenge winner Cassie mento

offer of Cassie's country.

Cupboard. I have to say as a regular customer,

her mixes are incredible.

My hubby asks for the garlic and beer bread specifically,

and I know I always have to keep it in.

Stock goes great with homemade Despacito in the summer,

by the way Cassie's business mission is offering pantry items to

help you get healthy meals on the table without losing your

sanity. And this positioning is working.

She's celebrating 10 years in business and recently constructed a separate

building on her property,

dedicated to a production and order fulfillment.

Cassie sells through farmer's market craft shows and online.

She's also a vendor at the virtual at home craft and

gift show.

She tells me she was thinking about starting a blog after

a recent podcast I did on Pinterest,

not sure which one,

because we've done two recently,

number 2 81 and three 19,

if you're interested.

And then the blog challenge podcast solidified her idea and she

made it happen.

Cassie, you know how happy this makes me her article is

called, keep your kitchen cool and covers seven tips on how

to do exactly that.

She also has a great image to get you in the

mood for reading or maybe eating because she's showing her Fiesta

roll-ups that include her Fiesta,

seasoning in the tips.

She links to various things that she's referencing.

Sometimes it's a product from pampered chef.

For example,

other times it's her YouTube channel,

where she shares recipes.

And then on occasion,

it's directly to her product.

So you can buy it.

All these links provide SEO strength,

of course,

but they're also not ever salesy.

They're more helpful than anything else which keeps the reader interested

and involved.

Another thing I love about this article is her ending call

to action.

Keep an eye on my Facebook and Instagram accounts.

I'll be posting more ideas all summer long.

What a great way to stay connected with readers,

build her social media following and provide continuing value to her

community all at the same time.

And Cassie gets an extra bonus shout out because she was

the first one to grab a spot in this challenge.

You have to go and check out her mixes seriously.

Okay. There you have it all.

Eight of our blog challenge winners,

all our blog challenge,

winners and links to their articles are in the show notes.

I've intentionally kept this podcast a little bit shorter.

So it gives you time to go take a look,

read their articles and see the various styles and approaches.

I'd also love for you to support these fabulous women comment

on their articles,

give them a follow on social or purchase one of their

products. And of course,

if you haven't started a blog yet,

wait no longer take just a portion of time.

You spend on social and dedicated to a project that will

work for you.

For years.

Each article you post is like making a deposit into your

visibility bank account.

Remember if people don't know you exist,

they can't possibly purchase from you up next week.

I have a very fun lighthearted,

but value packed episode that you're going to have to just

wait and see what the topic is.

But what I will tell you is I was laughing at

our guest and our guest was laughing at me all in

good fun.

Of course.

If you found this podcast valuable,

will you do me a favor go over to your podcast

app of choice,

subscribe to the show and leave a rating and review.

That's so helpful and encouraging for me as a podcaster because

your paying it forward,

allowing other people to see the show as well and now

be safe and well.

And I'll see you again next week on the gift biz

unwrapped podcast.

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